News

West Wales men in custody after one tonne of cocaine seized from fishing boat

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2024

IN what is being described as a major blow to organised crime, authorities have seized approximately one tonne of cocaine from a fishing boat off the coast of Cornwall. The interception, conducted by Border Force officers, has resulted in the arrest and charging of four men, at least two from west Wales, who are now in custody.

The vessel, named Lily Lola, was stopped by Border Force officials off the coast of Newquay on Friday afternoon, 13 September. Onboard, officers discovered a substantial haul of the Class A drug, which represents a significant disruption to the criminal organisation behind the attempted smuggling operation.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is leading the investigation into this high-stakes interception. On Saturday, they confirmed the arrests and subsequent charges against the four men. The individuals have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 September.

Two of the men charged are from Swansea, Wales. Jon Paul Williams, aged 46, of St Thomas, Swansea, and Patrick Godfrey, aged 30, of Port Tennant, Swansea, were among those detained. Also charged were Michael Kelly, 45, of Portway, Manchester, and Jake Marchant, 26, who has no fixed address. All four face charges related to the importation of a controlled Class A drug.

A spokesperson for the NCA outlined the operation: “Four men have been charged with drugs offences after Border Force officers intercepted a fishing boat carrying approximately one tonne of cocaine off the coast of Newquay, Cornwall. The men were aboard the vessel when it was stopped by officers on Friday afternoon.”

Derek Evans, branch commander of the NCA, emphasised the significance of this seizure: “This is a significant amount of cocaine that will represent a huge loss for the organised crime group that attempted to import it into the UK. With our partners at Border Force and the Joint Maritime Security Centre, we have successfully removed this harmful drug consignment from the criminal marketplace.”

Evans also noted the broader impact of such a large consignment of cocaine entering the country. “Its onward supply would have fuelled exploitation through county lines activity as well as serious violence and knife crime,” he said, adding that the investigation into the importation is ongoing.

This recent incident in Cornwall draws parallels to a similar case in Pembrokeshire several years ago. In September 2019, a fishing boat named the “Blues” was intercepted near the coast of Wales, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of cocaine worth around £60 million. The vessel had been monitored as part of a sophisticated operation by law enforcement, culminating in the arrest and conviction of several individuals. The seizure was one of the largest in UK history and highlighted the increasing use of maritime routes by organised crime groups to smuggle drugs into the country. The interception off Pembrokeshire’s coast reminded locals of the persistent threat posed by drug traffickers attempting to exploit the region’s extensive coastline.

The Agency said that this latest successful interception is a testament to the coordinated efforts between the NCA, Border Force, and the Joint Maritime Security Centre, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to combatting drug trafficking and the associated criminal activities it engenders.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.